(610) 463-5492 JOHN@JOHNGRONSKI.COM

Want to Run Your Own Nonprofit?

Guest blog by Sheila Johnson

If you have been considering starting your very own nonprofit organization, you must have the resources you need to become a successful leader. That includes answers to your most pressing questions.

 What does it really take to be a successful nonprofit leader and manager?

 This is a perfect first question to ask yourself before starting your own nonprofit:

  • Look to others with experience in the area for effective coaching and advice on how to successfully lead your new venture.
  • Know that being an effective leader requires more than passion and a desire to help others.
  • Consider starting a small fundraiser to see if you’re ready to devote the time and energy needed to successfully run a nonprofit.

 Can I run a business and a nonprofit at the same time?

 The short answer to this is yes but there are a few crucial points to consider:

  • Operating a nonprofit under a business structure is not generally allowed, but you could theoretically open a subsidiary for-profit business to support your nonprofit.
  • Your nonprofit can be established as a 501(c)(3) corporation in order to obtain tax-exempt status, but you must apply through the IRS.

 Are there any reporting requirements for nonprofit organizations?

 Yes, qualifying for and maintaining your 501(c)(3) status requires very detailed reporting:

  • There are five essential reporting areas to keep your nonprofit legal, legitimate and transparent. These include detailed records of activities, cash flow, and expenses.
  • Using a comprehensive expense tracking and batch invoicing software tool will make the latter less time-consuming and also reduce the error for mistakes that could be costly later.

How can I build fundraising strategies that attract dedicated supporters?

 Reporting is key for building trust with your potential donors in addition to dedicated efforts:

  • Any fundraising plans or strategies you develop should be concrete, concise and measurable. Your efforts should make donors feel involved and increase awareness.
  • Creating a detailed donor stewardship plan will help you retain those initial supporters and cultivate meaningful relationships with potential funders. There should be five steps.

 What role should a board of directors play in the structure of a nonprofit?

 All legitimate nonprofits should have a board of directors to oversee critical operations:

  • In any given nonprofit, the board of directors exists as a governing body to ensure that the organization in question is being operated within the bounds of the law and ethics.
  • To build an effective board, you need to recruit top candidates. This all starts with creating transparent, proactive, and powerful programs that make a true impact.

 If you want to affect change and help others, there’s no better way than to start a nonprofit of your own. Make sure yours has what it takes to succeed and reach those who need help the most by using all of the tips, resources, and links in this guide. Good luck with this worthy cause!

 Photo Credit: Pexels

Thank you to Sheila Johnson for writing this guest blog.

The 20-foot Goal

By MG John Gronski (USA, Ret,) I love to go on trail runs. I find a great deal of enjoyment in going on runs in the mountains of Pennsylvania on hiking trails and single-track paths. A few weeks ago, I was on one such run. I was at around mile four and found myself...

The Entrepreneurial Mindset

By MG John Gronski (USA, Ret.) Do you have an entrepreneurial mindset? A friend of mine who is working on his Ph.D. recently asked if he could conduct an interview with me as a requirement for his program of study. He is involved in a project that focuses on the...

All In or Go Home

By MG John Gronski (USA, Ret.) Jim Sursely was a remarkable man. He passed away on May 30, 2021, after living an inspiring life. He motivated many people but the lesson he told that resonated most with me was that you had to be all in, 100%, if you were going to...

Upward Leadership

By Major General John L. Gronski (US Army, Retired) I have been getting a lot of questions from mid-level leaders about techniques they can use to assist their boss by providing candid feedback. Some people call this “Leading Up”. I like to use the term “Upward...

Muddy Boots (or Paws) Leadership

By MG John Gronski (USA, Ret.) My dog Scottie has muddy boots. To be more accurate, I guess I should say he has muddy paws. I think all leaders can learn from him. Scottie gets around. He does not sit back behind his desk and let the world around him pass him by. He...

The Case For Leading Up

On December 28, 1978, Flight 173 crashed about 8 miles from the Portland Airport. Of the 181 passengers and 8 crew members aboard, 8 passengers, the flight engineer, and a flight attendant were killed, and 21 passengers and 2 crewmembers were injured seriously....

The Sniffspot

We must build resiliency. Resiliency does not just happen on its own. We must prepare for it. To build our resiliency we must work on our fitness. Of course, physical fitness is essential, but being fit mentally, emotionally, and spiritually also builds resiliency....

Becoming A Veteranpreneur

By guest blogger Jesse Clark As a veteran, you no doubt have skills and experience that can translate into a wide range of industries and fields. You’re likely a self-starter who is no stranger to persevering through challenges and thinking of creative solutions. In...

Behaviors speak louder than values

By MG John Gronski, USA Retired Behaviors speak louder than values It is essential for one to identify their core values. Core values should number between about three to seven values. If everything is a core value, then nothing is a core value. It is important to go...

Wellness Practices For The Workplace

By Rosette Jones Adaptability is one of the qualities business owners need to develop to maintain a fulfilled workforce. What better way to practice it than to adapt to the changing needs of your employees? As the importance of employee wellness becomes more...
Share This